Toronto City Council Makes Landmark Commitment to Arts Funding: Music Canada

TORONTO, Jan. 16, 2013 /CNW/ - On behalf of our members and partners,
Music Canada wishes to congratulate Mayor Rob Ford and the Members of
City Council for their commitment to increase funding to the broad
spectrum of arts in Toronto, including the city's diverse and authentic
music cluster.

"Toronto is by any measurement, one of the most successful music markets
in the world, evidenced by the diverse and authentic live music
offerings found throughout the city on any day of the week. The
business of music employs thousands of people, attracts visitors from
down the road and beyond our borders, and makes the city a desirable
place to live, work, and invest. With today's decision, City Council
demonstrates that it recognizes the importance of the music cluster and
opens the door to a new level of communication and cooperation. We
commend the leadership of Mayor Ford and Councillors Gary Crawford and
Josh Colle, who were integral to making this happen," says Graham
Henderson, President of Music Canada.

The 2013 Capital and Operating Budgets include a boost in arts funding
derived from the billboard tax. Among the priorities listed in the
motion put forward to the Executive Committee by Councillor Gary
Crawford was "support for Toronto's music cluster."

"As one of the country's premier music festivals, North by Northeast
would like to offer sincere thanks and congratulations to the Mayor and
City Council for recognizing the tremendous economic, cultural, and
civic value of music on Toronto. The City's firm support of artists,
venues, festivals, and fans will help grow our already vibrant music
scene into a global phenomenon that will attract and inspire the
world," says Andy McLean, Managing Director/Co-founder, North by
Northeast.

Music Canada has published a report identifying opportunities for greater growth and promotion of the music
industry in Toronto and is working with a coalition whose members
include live music venues, festivals, concert promoters, music labels,
recording studios, managers and artists.

Music Canada is a non-profit trade organization that represents the
major record companies in Canada, namely Sony Music Entertainment
Canada, Universal Music Canada and Warner Music Canada. Music Canada
also works with some of the leading independent record labels and
distributors, recording studios, live music venues, concert promoters,
managers and artists in the promotion and development of the music
cluster.